The Lord Has Done Great Things
(ESV) A SONG OF ASCENTS.
1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
As the Pilgrims made their way to Jerusalem, they sang this psalm to commemorate the release of the Israelites from captivity in Babylon. They had learned that those who weep especially over their spiritual condition will ultimately shout with joy.
Think of those who suffered terribly during the Diaspora—some were never to see their homeland again, nor were they allowed to worship the One, True and the Living God. Many were separated from their families.
Some were part of the national tragedy of captivity and slavery, while others, such as Rebecca, Rachel, and Hannah suffered the very personal distress of being barren. These women each wanted a child so desperately they could not imagine ever smiling again. Yet, each woman was given her heart’s desire, but only after a season of weeping.
Although there were times it seemed impossible, God enabled the brokenhearted to know joy again, and with that knowledge came the awareness that along with restoration, we are given the opportunity to give glory to God.
Today, it is vital that we understand that happiness is tied to our circumstances, but responding to our situation with joy is a choice.
Just as God turned the weeping of the Israelites into joy, He can do the same for us. Remember what He has done in the past, be thankful for the present, and face tomorrow with confident expectation that He will give us not just what we want, but what we need.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
- Posted in: Blogs
Seeking Holiness 